How to answer an awkward interview question without accidentally insulting the hiring manager

Savvy hiring managers have the ability to glean a ton of
information about you by asking just a few, well-chosen, smartly
crafted questions.

For instance, they may ask: "What are your thoughts on the
interview process so far?"

But chances are, they aren't craving your feedback. They aren't
eager to know if they're doing a great job, or how they might
improve for next time. No. They are trying to figure out how
diplomatic you are.

"At first glance this is a truly weird question," he
writes. "Your answer couldn't be in any way relevant to the job
at hand, could it? But maybe in a sort of sneaky way, it
could."

He continues:

"While your ability to critique your interviewer is highly
unlikely to be an essential skill should you get the job, the
ability to offer constructive feedback while maintaining pleasant
relations with colleagues almost certainly will come in handy. In
all likelihood that's the essential political skill your
interviewer is trying to test here."

A best way to answer this, he says, is by being truthful
and constructive, while also showing respect for the interviewer.
Reed suggests you avoid "pointless and obvious flattery," that
you remain calm, and maintain your poise, while "channelling your
inner diplomat."

Reed offered the following as an example of a great
response:

"Well, I enjoyed the fact that we started off with a little tour
of the facility on the way to the conference room and I
definitely think you've done a great job of examining my
job-specific skills. I really had to dig deep and think carefully
when you quizzed me on how I'd handle the quality control issues
you've been facing, which pushed me to get into the nitty-gritty
of how I work and also have me a better idea of the challenges
I'd be facing should I be offered the job. I don't think we've
discussed my work style and the culture of the team I'd be
joining as much, however. I'd love to get into how the team
interacts and how I'd fit in. Is that something we'll be talking
about later in the interview process?"